Imagine being 19 years old, packing your bags, and moving halfway across the world, all for the love of basketball. For Georgia Amoore, that was just the beginning of her journey. From the moment she picked up a basketball at the age of five, she was hooked. And she’s never looked back. 

After building a legacy at Virginia Tech for four years, the 23-year-old guard has decided to return for one more year—but to play with Kentucky for her final fifth season. But even though her career has taken her far from home all these years, her family has always been her backbone, supporting her every step of the way.

Know about Georgia Amoore’s family

Georgia’s parents, Phil and Kelly Amoore have always been the heroes of her life. Phil, her dad, is a former athlete himself—having played soccer and netball—and now works as a Lift Truck Specialist in Australia. He was right there when she was committing to Hokies. Kelly, her mom, is a well-known expert in the world of thoroughbred horses, running Sylvan Lodge Equine Center, where she helps with pre-training and rehabilitation. 

Seems like passion runs in the family itself. Because growing up in a racing stable, it’s almost like horses are in Kelly’s blood. While she didn’t initially want Georgia to play basketball (she was hoping Georgia would take up soccer, cricket, or even futsal), she eventually gave her blessing once her daughter’s love for the sport became clear, and she got hurt while playing soccer.

And it’s not just the Aussie hooper’s parents who have been a part of her journey. Her younger sister, Jemma, followed in her footsteps and became a basketball player too. She even became the Victoria Country Junior Champion in 2021.

However, her younger brother, Toby, is also involved in sports back home in Australia, rounding out the Amoore family as a true sporting powerhouse. And you know? It was a family member who brought her into the basketball world, where each part of her belongs now.

Sometimes life has a funny way of showing you ‘what’s your thing.’ For Amoore, that moment came when she was just five years old. She was introduced to basketball by her cousin, Keeley Frawley, who was playing at Ballarat’s Minerdome. When Keeley’s team ran into foul trouble and needed extra players, Georgia—wearing flip-flops, stepped in. 

And guess what? She loved it from the very first time she touched the ball. “I loved it and I’ve been playing ever since,” she said. From that day forward, she knew she was meant to be on the court. And that’s exactly where she’s stayed, bringing that signature Aussie toughness to every game, every season.

As she believes, “I think Aussie basketball, in general, is harder headed and rougher than US basketball. We’re not afraid to put our bodies on the line, and we’re playing for our teammates, which helps us take hits and then get up again.” Well, seeing the 5’ 6 guard’s performances, it’s safe to say we can agree. 

Her stats from the 2022-23 season at Virginia Tech speak for themselves. Averaging 16.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, she also won ACC Tournament MVP, First Team All-ACC, and led the Hokies to a Final Four appearance. 

After such a stellar season, many thought she would enter the 2024 WNBA Draft. But instead, she made the decision to return. It’s no shocker that she has already received major recognition, earning a spot on the SEC Preseason First Team. 

While she has indeed taken the courts by storm all these years, she must be craving something important: her family. The years people saw as her most successful ones were, for her, the toughest. 

The toughest years: Family apart & COVID-19

Moving to the United States was one thing; staying there during the COVID-19 pandemic was another. Georgia left Australia in January 2020, expecting to return home by May for summer break. But then, the world shut down. 

“COVID hit, and she didn’t come home,” her mum, Kelly, said. “She was worried she wouldn’t be allowed back into the U.S., and she was committed to Virginia Tech and Coach Brooks. She chose to stay.” During those trying times, Elizabeth Kitley, Georgia’s Virginia Tech teammate, and the Kitley family took care of her. 

“The Kitleys gave her a home when the school shut down and cared for her like their own daughter,” Kelly shared emotionally. Even Coach Kenny Brooks gave his word that he would look after her. Well, now we know why she ran to Kentucky to reunite with him. 

But unfortunately, Georgia also got COVID in March. However, Kelly believes those times helped shape Georgia into who she is now. For the Wildcats newbie and her family, those two years apart were incredibly difficult. “She definitely went through some dark moments. So we didn’t get to see her till Christmas 2021 —  nearly two years,” Brooke said. To this day, Kelly has visited her three times and Phil twice. 

But despite a busy schedule, they find creative ways to keep updated on her games. “Recently we have worked out a way to watch her live, but because we both work and the games are normally on in the mornings, we listen to the game,” she revealed. So, with the storied journey, the five-star guard has had so far, what’s next? All eyes will be on her transition to pros!